Bus Simulator 21
A bus simulator set in a fictional US city with new vehicle types.
Bus Simulator 21 is a bus simulation video game developed by Stillalive Studios and published by Astragon Entertainment. It is the sixth installment in the Bus Simulator series and the direct sequel to Bus Simulator 18, released on 7 September 2021 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The game is notable for introducing double-decker and electric buses to the series, as well as a cooperative multiplayer mode.
Quick Facts
- Title
- Bus Simulator 21
- Developer
- Stillalive Studios
- Publisher
- Astragon
- Series
- Bus Simulator
- Engine
- Unreal Engine 4
- Platforms
- Microsoft Windows · PlayStation 4 · PlayStation 5 · Xbox One · Xbox Series X/S
- Released
- Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One · WW · 7 September 2021 · PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S · WW · 16 May 2023
- Genre
- Vehicle simulation
- Modes
- Single-player, multiplayer
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
Bus Simulator 21 takes place in 'Angel Shores', a fictional modern city in the United States based on the San Francisco Bay Area, featuring a coastline and districts such as Chinatown. The game also includes a revised 'Seaside Valley' map from its predecessor Bus Simulator 18. Vehicle-wise, the game introduces a double-decker bus, including the officially-licensed Alexander Dennis Enviro500, as well as electric buses. Licensed bus brands include Blue Bird, BYD, Grande West, Iveco, MAN, Mercedes-Benz, Scania, Setra, and Volvo. The game offers a cooperative multiplayer mode, and a career mode became available following the Next Stop major update.
The Next Stop DLC, released on 16 May 2023, brought dedicated versions of the game to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S. It includes the Ebusco Bus Pack, Angel Shores Map Extensions (free to all players), a School Bus Extension, a Thomas Built Buses Bus Pack, and a Tram Extension. The DLC also adds new non-player vehicles including planes, trains, and trucks.
Reader's Guide
Bus Simulator 21 received 'mixed or average' reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic. Its significance lies in expanding the Bus Simulator series with a new fictional US setting, Angel Shores, and introducing double-decker and electric buses for the first time in the franchise. The inclusion of officially-licensed bus brands from multiple manufacturers added authenticity. The Next Stop DLC extended the game's lifespan by bringing it to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, and added features such as a school bus, a tram, and map extensions. The cooperative multiplayer mode allowed players to work together, while the career mode added structured progression. The game's legacy is as a mid-generation entry that updated the series' formula with modern vehicle types and a new setting, though critical reception remained mixed.
Did You Know?
- Bus Simulator 21 is the sixth game in the Bus Simulator series.
- The game's fictional city Angel Shores is based on the San Francisco Bay Area.
- It introduced the officially-licensed Alexander Dennis Enviro500 double-decker bus.
- The Next Stop DLC was released one week earlier than expected on 16 May 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bus Simulator 21 and who developed it?
It is a bus driving simulation game created by Stillalive Studios and published by Astragon Entertainment. As the sixth entry in the franchise, it serves as the direct follow-up to Bus Simulator 18.
When was Bus Simulator 21 released and on which platforms?
The title launched on September 7, 2021, and is available on Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. It is powered by Unreal Engine 4.
What new features does Bus Simulator 21 add compared to earlier entries?
This installment brings double-decker and electric buses into the series for the first time. It also introduces a cooperative multiplayer mode that lets friends drive routes together.
Where is Bus Simulator 21 set?
The game takes place in a fictional American city rather than a real-world location. This US-based setting pairs with the new vehicle types to give players a fresh driving environment.
How does Bus Simulator 21 fit into the wider Bus Simulator series?
It is the sixth game in the franchise and the direct sequel to Bus Simulator 18. It continues the series' focus on realistic bus driving, route management, and expanding the available vehicle roster.
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